Year 7 Geography: Ecosystems – Tropical Rainforests (Asia and South America)

What is an Ecosystem?

An ecosystem is a community of living things (like plants and animals) interacting with each other and their environment. The tropical rainforest is one of the most complex and rich ecosystems on Earth.

What are Tropical Rainforests?

Tropical rainforests are dense forests found near the equator. They are famous for their tall trees, rich wildlife, and warm, wet climate. The two main regions where we find these rainforests are:

• Asia: The rainforests of Southeast Asia, including countries like Indonesia and Malaysia.
• South America: The Amazon rainforest, which is the largest rainforest in the world, found mainly in Brazil, but also in Peru, Colombia, and several other countries.

Key Features of Tropical Rainforests

1. Climate:
   • Hot and humid all year round, with temperatures usually between 20°C and 30°C.
   • Heavy rainfall: They receive more than 2000 mm of rain each year.
2. Biodiversity:
   • Home to a vast number of plants and animals.
   • Example: The Amazon rainforest has about 40,000 plant species and 2.5 million insect species!
3. Layers of the Rainforest:
   • Emergent Layer: The tallest trees that reach above the canopy.
   • Canopy Layer: The thick layer of leaves and branches that forms a roof over the forest.
   • Understorey Layer: Shorter plants and young trees, with limited light.
   • Forest Floor: The ground level where decomposition occurs, and new plants grow.

Importance of Tropical Rainforests

• Oxygen Production: They produce a lot of oxygen through photosynthesis.
• Habitat: They provide a home for many species of animals and plants.
• Medicinal Resources: Many medicines come from rainforest plants.
• Climate Regulation: They help control the Earth’s climate and weather patterns.

Threats to Tropical Rainforests

Unfortunately, tropical rainforests are under threat from:

• Deforestation: Cutting down trees for timber or to make space for agriculture.
• Climate Change: Changes in weather patterns affecting the rainforest climate.
• Pollution: Chemicals and waste harming the ecosystem.

Tips and Tricks for Understanding Tropical Rainforests

1. Visual Aids: Use pictures to see the different layers of the rainforest.
2. Compare: Think about how a tropical rainforest is different from other ecosystems, like deserts or temperate forests.
3. Use Maps: Look at maps to identify where tropical rainforests are located in Asia and South America.

Questions About Tropical Rainforests

Easy Level Questions

1. What is an ecosystem?
2. Where are tropical rainforests found?
3. Name one country in Asia with a tropical rainforest.
4. Name one country in South America with a tropical rainforest.
5. What type of climate do tropical rainforests have?
6. How much rain do tropical rainforests get each year?
7. What are the four layers of the rainforest?
8. What is the tallest layer of the rainforest called?
9. What do we call the leafy layer that forms a roof?
10. Why are tropical rainforests important?
11. What is biodiversity?
12. Can you name a plant found in the Amazon rainforest?
13. What do tropical rainforests produce that is essential for life?
14. Why is the forest floor important?
15. What happens to plants in the understorey layer?
16. How do humans threaten tropical rainforests?
17. What does deforestation mean?
18. Name one animal found in tropical rainforests.
19. Why are tropical rainforests called “tropical”?
20. What do we call the process of plants making oxygen?

Medium Level Questions

1. Describe the climate of tropical rainforests.
2. Explain why biodiversity is important in tropical rainforests.
3. What are some effects of deforestation?
4. How does climate change affect tropical rainforests?
5. Compare the emergent layer to the forest floor.
6. Why might scientists study tropical rainforests?
7. What is the average temperature range in tropical rainforests?
8. How do animals adapt to life in the canopy layer?
9. What are some uses of plants from the rainforest?
10. How do tropical rainforests help regulate the Earth’s climate?
11. List three animals that live in the Amazon rainforest.
12. What role do insects play in the rainforest ecosystem?
13. How does the canopy layer affect the growth of plants below it?
14. Why is it important to preserve tropical rainforests?
15. What can people do to help protect tropical rainforests?
16. Describe how the layers of the rainforest interact with each other.
17. What is the significance of the Amazon River to the rainforest?
18. How do trees in the rainforest compete for sunlight?
19. What are some signs of a healthy rainforest ecosystem?
20. Discuss the impact of pollution on tropical rainforests.

Hard Level Questions

1. What are the consequences of losing biodiversity in tropical rainforests?
2. How do local communities rely on tropical rainforests?
3. Discuss the impact of agriculture on rainforest ecosystems.
4. Explain how deforestation contributes to climate change.
5. What strategies are in place to combat deforestation?
6. How do the physical features of tropical rainforests influence the types of species found there?
7. What are some traditional uses of rainforest plants by indigenous people?
8. How does the Amazon rainforest influence global weather patterns?
9. Discuss the role of rainforest animals in seed dispersal.
10. What are some examples of sustainable practices that can help protect rainforests?
11. How does illegal logging affect rainforest ecosystems?
12. Describe the role of fungi in rainforest ecosystems.
13. Discuss the relationship between predators and prey in tropical rainforests.
14. How does the rainforest floor contribute to the overall health of the ecosystem?
15. Explain how climate change is altering the living conditions in rainforests.
16. What innovations are being developed to help conserve tropical rainforests?
17. Discuss the challenges of conservation in tropical rainforests.
18. How do researchers monitor the health of tropical rainforests?
19. What are some cultural aspects of life for people living in or near tropical rainforests?
20. How do plants in the rainforest adapt to survive in low light conditions?

Answers to Questions

Easy Level Answers

1. An ecosystem is a community of living things and their environment.
2. Near the equator.
3. Indonesia or Malaysia.
4. Brazil.
5. Hot and humid.
6. More than 2000 mm.
7. Emergent, Canopy, Understorey, Forest Floor.
8. Emergent Layer.
9. Canopy Layer.
10. They produce oxygen and provide habitats.
11. Biodiversity is the variety of life in an area.
12. Rubber tree or Amazon lily.
13. Oxygen.
14. It supports new plant growth.
15. They grow slowly due to limited light.
16. Deforestation and pollution.
17. Cutting down trees.
18. Jaguar or sloth.
19. Because they are located in tropical regions.
20. Photosynthesis.

Medium Level Answers

1. Hot, humid, and rainy all year.
2. Biodiversity is important because it allows ecosystems to function well.
3. Loss of habitat, climate change, and extinction of species.
4. It changes rainfall patterns and increases temperatures.
5. The emergent layer is taller and gets more sunlight.
6. To learn about species and conservation.
7. Between 20°C and 30°C.
8. They have strong limbs and are agile.
9. Medicines and food.
10. They absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen.
11. Jaguar, toucan, or poison dart frog.
12. Pollination and decomposition.
13. It can slow growth due to limited light.
14. To maintain ecological balance.
15. Support sustainable practices and raise awareness.
16. They provide food and shelter for each other.
17. It provides water and nutrients to the rainforest.
18. They grow tall and spread their leaves wide.
19. Diversity of species and healthy plant growth.
20. They can block sunlight and affect growth.

Hard Level Answers

1. It can lead to ecosystem collapse and loss of species.
2. They depend on resources like food, medicine, and shelter.
3. It can lead to habitat loss and chemical runoff.
4. It reduces trees that absorb CO2, leading to more greenhouse gases.
5. Reforestation and protected areas.
6. The height and density affect sunlight and moisture availability.
7. Traditional medicine and food sources.
8. It affects rainfall and temperature patterns in distant places.
9. They help in spreading seeds which grow into new plants.
10. Practices like agroforestry and ecotourism.
11. It destroys habitats and harms wildlife.
12. They break down organic matter and recycle nutrients.
13. Predators help control prey populations.
14. It provides nutrients and supports plant life.
15. Altered rainfall and temperatures can harm species.
16. New technology for tracking and monitoring.
17. Limited resources and competing land uses.
18. Using satellite imagery and field studies.
19. They have their own traditions and ways of life.
20. They may develop larger leaves or climb trees.

Feel free to ask more questions or for clarification on any topic!